Mastering their trades

Horsham’s Dylan Rethus has set the benchmark for tradesmen in the region after becoming regional apprentice of the year.

Representing the Wimmera, Mr Rethus was one of three apprentices from Ballarat region to win recognition.

Mr Rethus is Master Builders’ Ballarat Section Training Provider Apprentice of the Year, while Ararat carpenter Zachery Louder won an employer-nominated award.

Apprentice carpenter Jack Atkin, also of Horsham, collected a merit award.

Mr Rethus said he was ecstatic to represent Horsham and to receive a prestigious award that recognised his diligence.

“I was pretty shocked to even get nominated for a start,” he said.

“It was a pretty surreal moment when I was awarded, as you’re competing against the entire Ballarat region, which is huge.”

Mr Rethus started a building and construction VET course at the beginning of year 12, through Skillinvest in Horsham.

He was then employed by Horsham’s DJ Hogan Builders in a full-time position at the end of his schooling.

And now, four years on, Mr Rethus has the end of his apprenticeship in his sights, expecting to get the final sign-off this week.

Mr Rethus said Skillinvest and his employer Dean Hogan guided his development.

“Dean gives me a lot of responsibility with jobs – he has a lot of trust in me to go out on my own,” he said.

Mr Rethus said having Skillinvest in Horsham enabled him to acquire skills in the Wimmera rather than having to travel to other regional centres.

“Skillinvest provided onsite training. I didn’t have to travel to do my trade school – they kept me here working,” he said.

Mr Atkin is also employed by DJ Hogan Builders.

Mr Hogan and co-worker Brad Couch are responsible for training the two apprentices.

Mr Hogan said he was extremely proud to see his apprentices’ hard work pay off.

“The first two years, the apprentices are usually quite shy,” he said.

“In the last year or so Dylan has really stepped up and you can see that confidence shine through, with taking instructions and running jobs by himself.”

Mr Hogan said he had even stepped up in helping to train new apprentices.

“He’s now helping two other apprentices we’ve got on board,” he said.

“Dylan will now go into the state awards in May if the coronavirus doesn’t prevent it going ahead.”

Skillinvest building and construction trainer Coleman Mcconville said Mr Rethus and Mr Atkin’s achievement was a good result in promoting employment prospects in regional areas.

“It’s a feather in the cap for Skillinvest, it shows we’re on the right track with teaching and training locals,” he said.

“This is a great thing for Horsham. We’re trying to keep training local – people shouldn’t have to go to Ballarat or Bendigo for trade school.”

Mr Louder was nominated successfully by his employer QB Homes in Ararat.